April 15, 2020
What Do Chess and Numismatics Have In Common? So far we have missed two coin shows due to the Covid-19 crisis, but Staying In is certainly the right approach. It is much, much too early to consider anything close to “back to normal,” despite the Bloviator in Chief’s massive recent windstorms.
But Staying In does have its advantages. It gives one time to reflect. Reflect on what one could do better, what one would like to achieve but have not yet done so, reflect on what and who are important—and the many things that are not.
For a while we were publishing daily comments on Covid-19—but we found ourselves continually angry, puzzled, and frustrated. It takes too much time and stirs up way too much negative energy. So we will let the news media take over once again. It’s not like there’s a shortage.
The good news is, coin collectors can stay at home and buy some wonderful coins online, here and elsewhere. Many coin collectors are introverts by nature. (You know who you are.) It turns out, unsurprisingly, that many chess players are, as well. In an effort to improve our meager chess skills via lichess.org, we have met some very simpatico friends from Iran, France, Sweden, Italy, Belarus, and chatted and commiserated as we played.
But it’s a small world: Imagine my surprise when I was looking for a chess opponent yesterday, and up popped a Username that looked like a fellow I know from the PCGS forum. Sure enough, same guy, doing the same thing I was, his very first chess game in years. We had a nice chat while I ran him around the board and took too long to force a checkmate, but at least I showed him some tools to help him improve. (I’m pretty bad. He was worse.)
If you are an extrovert, God Bless You, and we need you as well. (I am actually the world’s most extroverted introvert, since I had a long career in classical music and performance. The Meyers Briggs Type Indicator, though, tells me that I’m still introverted.) I recharge my batteries by getting alone, reading, computing, studying, listening to music … I have to remind myself that Mrs. VDB, an extrovert, needs to talk. To me, and to others. And fortunately, there are more tools than ever for that face to face. Just not … physically. Zoom, Skype, Snapchat, on and on.
But I do miss eating in a restaurant, and our real church services. Thanks for stopping by and staying with me this long. Work on your priorities some. Though it’s a fearful time for many, we still have much to give thanks for.